ENVR 401: Environmental Research
Ecological consequences of land ownership regimes

Client

The Mohawk Traditional Council, Kahnawake, Québec

Supervisor

Greg Mikkelson

Background

The Mohawk Traditional Council is based in Kahnawake, a First Nations community just off the southern tip of Montréal island. Members of the Council have concerns about how the institution of private property is affecting the ecological integrity of their community, as well as the larger community of life on Earth.

Project

Through interviews and surveys in the community, this group will explore how private ownership of land is affecting the ecology of Kahnawake. They will also synthesize the growing body of literature comparing the ecological impacts of private land ownership vs. its alternatives. Based on this research, the group will advise the Mohawk Traditional Council on how best to promote a healthier relationship to nature in Kahnawake and elsewhere.

Useful references

Hardin, G. 1967. The tragedy of the commons. Science 162:1243-1248.

Berkes, F., D. Feeny, B. J. McCay and J. M. Acheson. 1989. The benefits of the commons. Nature 340:91-93.

Monbiot, G. 1994. The tragedy of enclosure. Scientific American, January, p. 150.